DO YOU think you have produced the best fleece in the UK? If so, the British Wool Marketing Board are calling for you to enter this year's Golden Fleece competition!

In association with JG Animal Health, the nationwide competition is open to all producers marketing their wool through the BWMB. Champion fleeces have already been picked from 12 regional agricultural shows, but they will go head to head against champion fleeces from the network of BWMB depots in four country finals (Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland) before heading to a national final.

BWMB chairman Ian Buchanan explained: “All producers are eligible to enter a maximum of two fleeces via the BWMB depots which are being judged in two categories; traditional carpet fleece and speciality/knitwear fleece.”

All depots are judging fleeces entered into the competition on an ongoing basis throughout the season until the competition closing date on October 31, by which time, every depot will have selected its own champion fleece for each categories.

Producers who have not yet presented this year’s wool are encouraged to select their chosen fleeces and complete their entry forms by the deadline to be in with the chance to win the overall title, trophy and cash prize.

BWMB chief operating officer and national final judge Mark Powell said: “I’m looking forward to seeing some excellent fleeces in the final eight and would urge producers to put fleeces forward for what promises to be a great showcase of British wool.

“With over 12 million fleeces being presented at BWMB depots every year, it will be a real challenge and achievement producing the winning fleece at a depot, let alone scooping the Golden Fleece title. Producers will need, as ever, to ensure their fleeces are excellently presented giving them the best opportunity of making the final.”

Producers can get a competition entry form from their local depot or the BWMB head office on 01274 688 666.